Coast Guard suspends search for missing spearfisher off Kauai

HONOLULU, HAWAII, UNITED STATES

08.27.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Wyrick    

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard suspended the search at sunset for a 26-year-old man who went missing Saturday evening after spearfishing off Anini Beach, Kauai.

Theobhlius Erakdrik remains missing.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brock Blaisdell, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Our crews worked diligently, but unfortunately there has been no sign of the missing spearfisher and the Coast Guard has suspended the active search tonight at sunset pending further developments. Making the decision to suspend a search effort is never any easy one.”

The Coast Guard conducted a total of 34 searches covering over 465 square miles.

Involved in the search were:

- An MH-65 Dolphin aircrew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point
- A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Kauai
- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake (WPB 87316) Crew
- Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 MH-60R Seahawk helicopter aircrew from Marine Corps Base Hawaii
-Ocean Safety
-Kauai Fire Department

Sector Honolulu watchstanders received notification early Sunday morning from Kauai Fire Department of the initial report which was made by Erakdrik’s cousin who was also out spearfishing Saturday night.

Erakdrik was last seen wearing a black Nike top, brown shorts, and black mask and fins. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2019
• Date Posted: 08.28.2019 03:14
• Story ID: 337676
• Location: HONOLULU, HAWAII, US